Beaverton, Oregon

100% renewable energy is entering the grid that runs through Beaverton.
Beaverton decided to exclusively feed in renewable energies into the grid in 2014.

The decision is another big step ahead connecting to previous development of renewable energy investment:
“By supporting these renewable energy sources since 2007, Beaverton continues to contribute to a bright, sustainable energy future for Oregon,” says Mayor Denny Doyle.

As a strategy Beaverton created Carbon Wedge graphics. The research was based on a community- wide Energy Map for the base year of 2012. Existing and proposed state laws were also part of the research. Even though the carbon wedge graphics do not define the final strategy and tactics, they provide a frame for the agenda development.

The 100% renewable energy target includes all public buildings, streetlights, and the water supply. To reach this goal, Beaverton teams up with a private local company, from whom it purchases all of its energy from.

The ambition comes with a commitment to support renewable energies financially. The electricity that Beaverton uses will not actually be produced through renewable energies in the town, but through investments in renewable electricity, which offset the consumed power in the city [1].

The emphasis lies on the fact that investing in renewables facilities gives a monetary value to the environmental benefits of renewable energy. Additionally, Beaverton aspires a low carbon economy: After reviewing various possible goals, Beaverton’s sustainability director Cindy Dolezel focused on an 80 percent reduction below current levels by 2050, with a near-term emphasis on 40 percent reduction by 2030.

Portland General Electric acts as a public consultant and encourages the community to switch to 100% renewable energy. With different ‘’green future products’’ and packages that are presented on the website, the customers can get an easy overview of what is most suitable for them. Furthermore competitions and projects enhance the level of participation of community- members, for instance a community program called the Beaverton Better Buildings Challenge (Beaverton BBC) with a goal of improving energy efficiency in local buildings 20% by 2020.

Free energy consultation, assistance prioritizing efficiency projects and support with utility data tracking tools are offered to participants of the program by the better Building Initiative.